Hundreds of people with Jewish ancestry have been identified as having an increased risk of cancer through a genetic testing programme.
The programme, called the NHS Jewish BRCA testing programme, was launched in January 2023 and has since delivered 25,000 free saliva kits to those of Jewish ancestry to help identify those with an increased risk of cancer.
Around 11,000 tests have been processed, and 235 have tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation, which increases the risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Those who have been identified are then able to access early screening, such as mammograms and MRIs, and preventative options, such as surgery or medication.
Those with Jewish ancestry are more likely to have inherited mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes than the general population, according to NHS England. For example, one in 40 Ashkenazi Jews and around one in 140 Sephardi Jews have a mutated BRCA gene, compared to around one in 250 of the UK general population.
Up to 40% of ovarian cancer cases and 10% of breast cancer cases in the Jewish community are associated with a BRCA gene fault, according to NHS England.
Under the programme, anyone living in England who is over 18 with one Jewish grandparent can access the testing.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, and Professor of medical oncology at the University of Southampton, said: ‘It’s encouraging that so many people have come forward for testing and that hundreds living with an increased risk have been identified and can now be supported to make informed choices about monitoring and risk-reducing options.
‘We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this innovative testing programme, so please continue to come forward for a simple saliva test if you are eligible. If you are sitting on a testing kit at home, we encourage you to complete and return the testing kit. The majority of people won’t be variant carriers of the BRCA gene, but if you are, the NHS can provide you with appropriate screening or treatment.’
Health minister, Andrew Gwynne, said: ‘For the 11,000 people who have tested, the NHS Jewish BRCA Testing Programme provided reassurance and education around the risks of cancer. But for 235 of those people, it gave them vital extra time to make informed decisions around lifestyle choices and treatments.
‘We’re working to catch illness on time, so I urge people to come forward and test if they’re eligible. Our Plan for Change will broaden access to community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs and make better use of tech, including the NHS App, to end the appointment backlog and fight cancer on all fronts.’
It comes as bowel cancer screening has now been expanded to 50 to 52-year-olds, as part of a continued drive to detect cancer earlier.
A tool to streamline throat cancer referrals is also being piloted in the West Midlands.
The Government has also pledged to introduce a men’s health strategy to tackle cardiovascular disease, prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.
